End of a Long Journey

What an awesome team! The mission team has completed their time in Romania but somehow I think this team will never be split because their time has come to an end in Romania. This team was built around 1 single prayer from Pastor Nathan Richey prior to their departure from Walnut. Pastor Nathan prayed for this team to have 'unusual patience' and 'good humor'. Both of these things were in great demand and the team came through with flying colors. There is no doubt that this team fulfilled Another Child Foundation's mission of reaching, teaching, and transforming lives. Together WE ARE changing the world! Below are the thoughts of team member David as the trip came to a close.

 

It was hard leaving the children today as we all head back towards our homes. We are so blessed knowing we made a difference in their lives and seeing many of them make decisions to follow Christ as their Savior. I am also a changed man with a renewed energy and compassion for not only all the hurting children in the world, but for all who need Christ. We all have our own stories. And our loving Lord knows them.  He longs to help us finish the book of our life on earth with healing, restoration and a whole life that comes through His Grace, Love and Lordship. It is a comforting thought knowing that the God Stories don’t end when the children and we go our different ways at the end of such a wonderful time of ministry with them, knowing that our messages of hope, love, and peace will not return void. It is a comforting thought, when we wipe away our tearing eyes after this incredible week, God is also doing new things in all our lives as we
process how big and wonderful God worked in reaching these children’s lives. I am very grateful for this experience and for the fact that Fundatia Buckner and Another Child Foundation is doing all they can to do more to help these kids and to challenge more people to reach out to the beautiful children in Romania. Thank you God also for the wonderful servants I was honored to work with while there. And to all the people behind the scenes faithfully supporting this ministry, in many different ways without which, it wouldn’t be possible. - David Henrikson
 

"I Will Leave a Piece of My Heart in Romania"

Sometimes you just know that God is at work when he brings people from such diverse cultures and
backgrounds and has success. A time in which God is revealed to a group of adorable children who bring tremendous emotional baggage to the table. But somehow God is able to knit a team of people together for this exact purpose. Below Tina Anderson share with us the unique and amazing ministry going on within ACF, Fundatia Buckner, and Romania.

It never ceases to amaze me how God is able to work through the lives of ordinary people in order to accomplish extraordinary things. This has been an amazing experience. I feel so blessed that God called me to participate in this trip. These kids are so unique and lovable in so many ways.  It has been so exciting watching these kids open up and share their hearts with the entire team. I am so thankful for the combined efforts of Fundatia Buckner, Another Child Foundation, the Interns, Interpreters, the WCBC team Romania, and all of those who supported us - working together to accomplish God's plan to bring love to these children. This week has not been without difficulties. We have each been stretched and tested and as a result, we have grown in our own faith. The VBS program appeared to be a success as we witnessed the children opening up and participating more and more each day. I will be leaving a piece of my heart in Romania when it is time to go. I know that God will continue to care for, provide for, and protect these children in the days & years to come. I will miss them and I will pray that God continues to bring Godly people into their lives. I thank God from the depths of my heart for this amazing experience!  -Tina Anderson

Never Saying Good-Bye!

This trip for the Walnut Community Bible Church is coming to an end and the emotions are starting to run high for the team and the children. Everyone is already starting to think bout having to say our "see you later" goodbyes. These thoughts have not distracted the team from being the hands and feet of Christ. Laura Richey expresses her thoughts on the awesomeness of God in this post.

A few days ago, I was sitting across from Bailey (one of our interns this week from the great state of Louisiana) in the camp dining hall for lunch. We are surrounded first by people singing in Hungarian, then after prayers in Romanian and Hungarian, we are surrounded by groups speaking both languages.  As Bailey and I spoke through the translators to the students at our table, and spoke to one another in English, the thought came to me, “What if all of the sudden, we could all understand each other no matter what language we were speaking?”

A few nights ago, Katie and I were walking back to our rooms after the evening games.  The night was very clear and cool, and we were talking about how amazing it is to see that many stars.  There was Hungarian worship music coming from the chapel, and I was struck by how heaven-like it seemed, surrounded by God’s majestic creation and listening to people singing beautiful music to him in another language.

Today, as we finished the last morning of VBS, with tears in our eyes we listened as Tina shared with these precious kids that because of the price Jesus Christ paid for all of our sins, we know we will see one another again, one day in heaven, even if we are not able to meet again here on earth.

It hurts to leave those we love. It HURTS. I miss my husband Nathan and my precious daughters Natalie and Noelle with all of my heart.  Now I have more family and friends to miss as we return home.

But Jesus left His Father in heaven to come to earth to live and die for us so that we can live with Him and be with our Heavenly Father forever, and with our family, God’s family, forever. And one day WE WILL NEVER SAY GOODBYE AGAIN. May Jesus Christ be praised.   -Laura Richey

Mission Trip Recap

Just in case you might have missed any of the personal testimonies or picture posts over the past few
weeks here is a chance to catch up on all of the cool things happening on the Another Child Foundation mission trips.

Bailey Russell told us about how her life has been changed by the people of Romania. Make sure you check this post out.

Jacee Badeaux saw a revival going on in Romania through the Philadelphia church in Tarneveni. This post will inspire you to get involved in what ACF and Fundatia Bucker is doing there.

Ryan Kepner explains how his expectations of the trip fall pale in comparison with what he has experienced in just the first couple days.

Pictures Galore! Check out a picture library for the latest mission team from Walnut, Illinois

Andrea Jamison describes to the children how God does not make junk in this post. This is an important early part of any mission trip. The kids have to realize early on that they are special to the team and to God!

Candy Lind tells us how a Bible study at her home church somewhat prepared her for the reality of what happens on a mission trip. Knowledge is one thing but seeing and experiencing it are totally different.

Anthony and Allie Bruno explain how the church service at the Philadelphia church is much different than their home church. Not better or worse but different!

Other pictures. Another profile of pictures for your viewing enjoyment!

Janet Larson shares with us the Women's ministry going on with the ladies from the city of Tarneveni and how things have changed for the better the past few years.

Laura Smith finally got  chance to met the girl their Sunday school class has been sponsoring for the past 2 years. They were not disappointed to finally met Victoria and share with her the prayers they had invested into her.

Thanks for visiting our recap blog to catch up on the really awesome things happening!

Building Blocks being Assembled in Romania

Each day is very different from the day before when you are on a mission trip. When relationships are born (or grow) the days have a tendency to be much more impactful for the trip participants as well as the children. This post from Candy Lind shares the transformation of the heart when people dare to serve on a mission trip like this. Another Child Foundation is blessed to be part of these transformational experiences.

Candy creating a pyramid of cups!

In my Sunday School class back home we are studying the 10 Building Blocks of a Solid Family by Jim Burns, and I am seeing just how very important those same concepts apply to these children that we are working with this week.  They long for physical touch.  It is not uncommon for a child, little or big, to walk up to one of us for a great, big hug.  They want to be played with.  It's a challenge for some of us adults (Ryan completely excluded) to let go and be a kid, but once we do, we have made another connection.  They want boundaries.  Some will see just how far the limits are.  Once these limits are established, the kids understand.  Quality time is important.  Each child wants to know that she / he is important.  Although language is a bit of a barrier, there are ways to get past, many times with the help of one of our wonderful translators.

Josie playing Rocket Wars!!!

In addition to trying to make an impact on these children, I know that others have greatly impacted me.  After speaking with one of our young, bold translators, I have learned to refocus my life.  There are things that are not so important, and there are things that are of great importance.  Sharing my faith in Jesus Christ needs to be of utmost importance.  When my life gets back to the normal routine of things, I want people to be sure where I stand, which is firmly on the rock of Jesus. Candy Lind

God Doesn't Create Junk!

Today was the first day of the 4 day VBS the team has prepared for the 40 children God has entrusted to us this week. Below are the experiences, thoughts, and prayers of Andrea.

The Lord blessed us with a beautiful sunny and cool morning to start out the day. After breakfast, the VBS fun began!  We divided the kids into 3 groups led by crew leaders: Ryan, Diane and myself. Our fearless, soccer playing leader Tina began the program with an introduction, and then we watched a skit (performed by Katy and Diane), and enjoyed some opening music.  David shared a Bible story from Genesis 1, where the focus was on our amazing, awesome, Creator, God. Along with translators and 3 Buckner interns, each group experienced a craft station, (led by Candy and Josie), a music station, (led by Laura), and a game station (led by Brett).  Elizabeth was continually capturing the "Kodak" moments and Tim seemed to just always be wherever needed with plenty of smiles and kids surrounding him. The morning activities brought a wonderful opportunity to see the unique characteristics that God has placed in all of us.  The afternoon and evening were filled with rocket wars, dancing, games, tie dying shirts and LOTS of laughs!!!!  What a privilege it is to be a part of God's work in the lives of these orphaned children.  Today, my prayer for all of the children is simple: that they would truly believe that God created them, and that they would understand that they have great value because God does not create junk!   Andrea Jamison

Today the team was challenged to step more out of their comfort zones and really seek to find out what these children came to camp for. This type of action takes a lot of courage because sometimes the answers they receive to those questions can be a bit scary. Sometimes we forget the mask these children put on to hide from their past. So, I ask you all to pray for the team to fearlessly search the hearts of these children and the wisdom to provide comfort and healing to their fragile souls.

To see other blog posts from the ACF summer mission trips click here.

Pictures Galore!!

Here is a bunch of pictures fro the first 2 days of the Another Child Foundation mission trip. I am sorry that we cannot post pictures of the children we are helping due to restrictions from the Romanian government to protect the children's identity.

Tina and some friends at the Point of Hope in Tarneveni, Romania

Ladies of the Roma

Brett feeling good on the bus ride!

Some beautiful Romanian scenery

Getting a tour of the camp

Our lunch hall for the next 6 days

Romania is beautiful! These flowers welcomed us!

The worship center at camp

Some more beautiful Romanian views

Katy resting after  long trip

The team sorting the activity supplies

The Kepner's prepping the balls

Diane putting some final touches on the decorating

Here come the 40 kids

Our awesome translators

More awesomeness!

Laura & Candy describing the get to know you games to Markus!

The team is presented to the kid

Demonstrating a game for the children

Katy and Josie chillin'

Tina hanging with the guys on the soccer field!

The opening skit of VBS by Diane and Katy

David presenting the Gospel message of God being our Creator!

I hope you enjoyed this picture post!

Day 1 at VBS

Here are the thoughts of Ryan Kepner on the first day of  camp. Sunday is always the hardest day as the team and kids get to know and trust each other. So far this camp is getting off to the same great start. Another Child Foundation is glad to see that God is surely alive!

Hello everyone, Sunday was our first full day at camp.  In the morning we were busy setting everything up, because the kids were getting here just after noon.  We welcomed the kids and they got settled in their rooms, and before I knew it the fun had begun.  My expectations I had in my mind of when the kids arrived, was no where close.  These kids blew me away with there excitement and eagerness to get to know us.  From the first ice breaker game to the last five minutes on the soccer field these kids just smiled and had fun.  As we move on this week, I'm excited to start the bible story and share the love of Jesus with them.  I just have a feeling that they will be teaching me just as much as we teach them.  These kids are just so wonderful, I can't wait for the rest of this week.  God is good.    Ryan

A quick update on Community Bible Church team

Hey everyone...I wanted to give you a quick update on the progress of the team from the Walnut Community Bible Church from Walnut, Illinois. After a rough start with some major confusion from the Delta/KLM people in Chicago the team did finally board our plane just a few hours later than expected. Not only did we have an issue getting boarding passes but the team heard of the commercial airliner shot down over Ukraine (Romania borders Ukraine). We pray for all of the family members of those lost. The team does not know many of those details but were somewhat concerned before we found out that we would not come close to flying over Ukranian airspace. The team arrive in the early evening on Friday and spent the night in Predeal, Romania at the Hotel Draculiu. Today the team enjoyed a nice European breakfast and headed north to Tarneveni, Romania where the Point of Hope Development Center is located. While the team is not doing a ministry activities at the Point of Hope we did want to show them the school and the homes where the children attend and live. After enjoying some Pizza Motors pizza it was back on the bus for another 3 hours. We arrived at camp and got settled into our rooms at 7:00 pm had dinner, toured the camp, and sorted all of the aid and other goodies we brought. Finally about 11:00 pm the team settled down for the night. Meanwhile the trip leader (me) finally got the chance to post something to this blog. Over the next 6 days you will be getting insights from each of the team members and we will also post some pictures for you to enjoy. However, since the children we are hosting. This week are part of the Children Protective Services of Romania their identities need to be protected. So any pictures posted on this blog will be of the team and camp only. You will have to wait until the team gets home to see the kids since we cannot post them online.

Please keep the team in your prayers. Pastor Nathan prayed for this team to have unusual patience and good humor. I have seen both of these prayers answered. They are doing great right now but jet lag takes a while to overcome. So, pray for good health, open hearts and the the Grace of God be with each of them and the kids coming to camp tomorrow. THANKS! Together WE ARE changing the world!!!

Tim Oloffson- ACF Director

Team # 4 Leaves on Thursday, July 17

I have been asked a few times how many trips I have made to Romania to serve the orphans and at-risk children that God has entrusted to Another Child Foundation. I do not know the exact answer to that question but it is probably over 20 times. However, I do know that each team ACF takes over is unique and the trip participants never really know the impact they actually will have on the people God places in front of us, or the impact the people God places in front of us will have on them! I believe mission trips like this are a catalyst for a person's faith walk. Many times the trip participants connect with our ministry in Romania on a very deep level. Other people are changed in ways that alter the way they view life and how God calls us to a life of obedience. Either way, lives are transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit. I have seen it time and time again and I look forward to seeing how this team of faithful people will change lives for the better!



So please keep this team (Tina, Katy, Elizabeth, Josie, Brett, David, Andrea, Candy, Laura, Diane, and Ryan) in your prayers! Pray that they will move hearts! Pray that they will be safe and healthy. Pray that they will be instruments of God's love to ALL the people they encounter. Also, pray for Another Child Foundation. Pray that ACF will continue to meet the financial needs that this ministry needs to be able to continually reach, teach, and transform the lives of the children God has entrusted to our care.

 

Team Picture Time!!

This team comes from all over the US, some knew each other coming in, some didn't.  However, they've all come together to serve God here in Romania.  It didn't take long for everyone to become friends and enjoy serving together.  Some lasting friendships were surely made!

Steph, Joe, Anthony, John, Jaycee
Jason, Bailey R., Rebecca, Alexis, Alyssa, Victoria, Bailey, Katelin, Allie

And, I must include the silly one, just so you have an idea of how fun this group is!!

Romania Changes Lives

A mission trip to Romania will change your life!  I've experienced this, as has anyone else who has been blessed with the chance to come here.  I was moved by Bailey Russell's words when she described the change she has experienced.  Read on to be blessed by this young woman's testimony!

Bailey with two girls from the community

Bailey says:
When I first came to Romania, I knew that this trip would make a difference in my life, but I never expected it to make this much of an impact. On the first day of VBS, we sorted out groups by age, and even though my group had no idea who I was, they acted as if they had known me for years. The amount of love these children have for the team is unbelievable, but the knowledge they hold of the Bible and their love for Jesus is even more incredible. Even though there is a language barrier, these children and adults in the community are still making an imprint on my life. Maria, a girl that walks with me every day, told one of the translators that she wished she was in my shoes- living in America and being "pretty", but Maria is the beautiful one. These children are some of the most beautiful people I have ever met, inside and out. These families might not even have electricity or running water in their home, but they are always smiling, loving on the team, and having fun.

This trip has definitely made me think about the way I live at home- the fact that I do have a family that can afford to feed me everyday, that gives me all the love and support I need and encourages me throughout life, and supplies me things that aren't a necessity. I couldn't be more thankful for the things I have, but I just wish I could provide these families with the things I am blessed with at home. Today, especially, is a hard day for myself because it is the last day of VBS, and the last day that I have to make an influence on the children's lives. I wish that my mission here wasn't almost over, but I cannot wait to make a difference in more lives throughout my life.

Wow, wasn't that just wonderful?!?   I've been very impressed with Bailey and the rest of the team as they've worked hard this week to make an impact in the lives of this community.  I've also enjoyed seeing their lives being impacted by the work as well.

Please be in prayer for the team as they finish their last day of VBS.  It is always hard to say goodbye to people who have changed your heart.  Pray that God gives them comfort and knowledge that their impact will last forever!